Set Free From the Law of Sin and Death

The Law of Sin and Death

One of the greatest verses in all the Bible is found in Romans 8:1. It says this:”There is, therefore, NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” As if that were not enough, verse 2 continues the theme: “For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Just imagine that, set free from the law of sin and death. That is the “gospel”(good news) of Christ Jesus. We have been set free. In John 8:36 Jesus put it this way: “If the Son makes you free, then you are free indeed.”

Let’s look at what this says.

Sin and death

In Genesis, chapter 3, we see where sin entered into the history of mankind. The serpent deceived Eve and then Adam rebelled against God’s covenant and ate of the forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Because of that rebellion death entered into history. As I have stated in other articles, sin is not the individual acts that we define as “sin”, but Biblical “sin” is being in a state of rebellion against God. All actions that are defined as sins come from the root of this stance of a broken covenant. You can read about that here, and here. Romans 5:12 states it clearly: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” It is plainly stated that we are all born in a state of “sin” because we are all descended from the one who rebelled. We do acts of “sin” because we are “born sinners”. We do not become “sinners” because of the “acts of sin” that we do. I hope you can grasp the gravity of those two statements.

We are all sinners. Are you sure?

Many so called religious leaders, like to sound humble by saying phrases like, “We are all sinners.” It sounds very pious and maybe even humble, but is it true? If we hearken to the passage from Romans 8 and set that statement under the light of that great truth, would it be as profound as those who use it say it is. Romans 8:1 begins with “There is NOW no condemnation.”. To call someone a sinner is to judge them as not measuring up to the demands of the Law, or covenant. To determine condemnation there must be a law or a standard to which one is compared or contrasted. Verse one clearly states that there is no means to declare condemnation, or that they have sinned. Verse 1 continues and tells you why. They are “in Christ Jesus”. They are no longer governed by their old life in the flesh but are directed by the Spirit. That Spirit has made them free from the Law that determines who is a sinner and put them in a place which is controlled by the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus.

He, Who knew no sin, became sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Him

In Christ Jesus

In a previous article we presented the Biblical understanding of baptism. We are baptized into Christ Jesus and the old man is never raised again. He is dead. The new person is the one who is set free from the “law of sin and death”. That law is the one that determined if a person was in “right standing in the covenant” or was not in “right standing in the covenant.” If that law can no longer be applied to that “new creation”, can it define him as a “sinner”. Logically, it can not. The “new creation” is dead to that law which defines a sinner.

In chapter 7 of Romans stated this very clearly as he compared this situation to the case of a woman being subject to her husband as long as he is alive, but is free from that law when her husband dies. So it is with the new creation in Christ. He or she is no longer subject to the definitions of the law of sin and death.

God’s Word is Truth

Scriptural proofs

Let me ask you a question. Can the Spirit of the Living God, Who is perfect in all His ways, dwell in a sinful being? Of course the answer is, “No!”

Study these scriptures and know that you are “righteous” not a “sinner”.

Colossians 1:27: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1 Corinthians 6:19: What? Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?

Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Philippians 2:13: For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Galatians 2:20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

There are many more scriptures which proclaim this great truth of being free from sin. Let me share one more.

1 John 3:4 and following says: Whoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whoever abides in him sins not: whoever sins has not seen him, neither known him.

Free at last

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not religion. In contrast to organized religion today it brings freedom. The Law of Sin and Death seeks to shackle people with what they cannot do or what they can do. Jesus simplified it when He said that the Law could be fulfilled in two positive statements. “Love God. Love your neighbor.” Once you are freed from the mentality of “we are all sinners” ,to “the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus”, then you can live the abundant life which Jesus said defines the Child of God. You will speak with boldness “that which you have seen and heard”. You will prefer the humble over the proud. You will lay hands on the sick and see them recover. You will cast out demons. You will raise the dead. You will walk in divine health. All your needs will be met, not according to your abilities, but according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You will be more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. God, Himself, declares you “Righteous”, because you are in Christ Jesus.